In the six years I’ve been a beauty journalist, most of the people I’ve interviewed have counted concealer as one of if not the most important item in their makeup bag. For me, it holds true for not one but two concealers as I believe that different formulations are better suited to different areas and concerns. And I’m in fantastic company. Earlier this year, when I was chatting with Maya Jama for The Glowdown series, she revealed her best piece of beauty advice is to double up on concealer. "I get quite dark under my eyes,” she explained. "So one is for hiding the darkness, and then another is for brightening.”
Makeup artist Neil Young says most complexions actually benefit from two concealers as the face and eye area requires a different approach. "With the face, it’s about matching the skin tone and texture of foundation for any blemishes and pigmentation, whereas the eye area is more about colour correction or brightening and this can often be lighter than the natural skin tone.”
A no makeup selfie.
As I am prone to hormonal breakouts on my chin and redness in certain areas like around my nose, the concealer I go with in first is as close to the tone of my skin I can get, and I generally find formulas in a pot work best. At this stage, I'll apply and blur out with my fingertips. I’ll then go in with a foundation or skin tint, and finish with my second concealer under my eyes and on the high points of my face. To do this, I use a slightly damp beauty blender.
Because concealer has become such an important step in my routine, I’ve really put in the research to find the best money can buy. Over a week I put the following duos to the test and I can say they pass the test on working in harmony to deliver excellent coverage, brightness and glow to the skin without looking cakey or drying. I have to make a point of saying that before writing this feature I would always also wear a skin tint or foundation to go out. Now I am completely sold on just wearing the two concealers as it looks so much more natural and stays in place for much longer. High praise indeed.
Scroll down to see the ten best concealers out there and how I wear them together.
Shop the Best Concealers:
Monika Blunder Beauty Blunder Cover Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
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This is a really great all-rounder. It contains arnica flower extract to soothe and reduce irritation, as well as chamomile to calm skin and reduce redness. It feels nourishing to wear and, after setting with a bit of powder, stayed put all day.
With an A list army of fans including Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, this concealer has very much earned its iconic status. It's amazing at brightening the under eyes and the high points of my face, like the tops of the cheekbones and cupid’s bow, with a sponge. Perhaps my favourite duo.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
Wearing NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer and Kosas Revealer Super Creamy Brightening Concealer
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A ride-or-die product of mine. Due to its matte finish, I find it to be a great pick for covering any blemishes and using underneath the eyes ahead of going in with foundation. It doesn’t settle into creases or look cakey on the skin and stays put all day.
A product I only started using this year and I’m completely obsessed. Loved by Hailey Bieber, Emma Chamberlain and Kim Kardashian, the super creamy, blendable formula gives natural but luminous coverage. This particular duo has been my go-to for the past few months.
Sculpted by Aimee Complete Cover Up Concealer Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer
Wearing Sculpted by Aimee Complete Cover Up Concealer and Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer
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As someone with oily skin, this is a real godsend. It's an oil-free cream-to-powder concealer that hides redness, blemishes and pigmentation while providing a gorgeous soft, matte finish that lasts all day. I tap it into the skin with my fingers and If I'm in a rush, I'll happily wear on its own.
A product I've loved for as long as I can remember. The big applicator makes it a dream to apply and it really helps to hydrate the under eye area without oxidizing, creasing or settling into fine lines. If you like a luminous, glowy finish add it to your basket, stat.
MAC Studio Finish Concealer Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Concealer
Wearing MAC Studio Finish Concealer and Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Concealer
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For the days my skin really isn't playing ball, I'm reaching for this super high-coverage concealer. Again, it's great for oily skin types like mine because it contains Silica, which absorbs excess oil to ensure shine-free results. Great for a night out.
I saw Hailey Bieber wearing Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer, so I immediately needed it. I use the hollow part of the applicator and apply to the T-zone, the cheeks and under eyes. I then blend the product from the centre of the face outwards with a sponge. It brings a glam makeup look together in seconds, and gives the most gorgeous, luminous finish. So much yes from me.
R.E.M Beauty Sweetener Concealer Saie Hydrabeam Under Eye Concealer
Wearing R.E.M Beauty Sweetener Concealer and Saie Hydrabeam Under Eye Concealer
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Contains hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration, ashwagandha, an Indian botanic known to help protect from environmental stressors, and vitamin e for antioxidant protection. Blends into the skin like a total dream.
As the name suggests, this works beautifully underneath the eyes and instantly lifts any look. It's really nourishing thanks to cucumber, squalane, glycerin and tomato extract and feels really lovely to wear. I had to set this particular duo with slightly more powder as I have oily skin and they're both very moisturising products.
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